A Defiance rep on SH just stated that Defiance is in dire straights financially, and may not make it past next month.
So I guess they have bigger problems then sending actions to Canada.
Not to completely defend their latest choice , that said I had a friend with a firearm shop in the US. The export permits he had to pay for were expensive to the point of making the sale of low profit items not possible. The permits were divided into rifle/shotgun/pistol catagories and allowed a set number of pieces to be exported before having to pay for additional license fees. Permits for shotguns were the cheapest and he eventually let the other catagories expire. This was a few years ago , although is something the consumer may not be aware of in the business costs.
A company is in business to make money - I remember a boss I had during the annual Christmas speech - he said if your earing 50K you have to make me more than 50K per year if you don't do not expect an increase and he underscored this by saying each and everyone of you can and will be replaced. He was raw/rude but you have to respect someone who doesn't sugar coat it and says' it the way it is.
As for this company no longer selling to Canada no they are not $hitting on anyone - it's a business decision am sure they are well aware of the political climate in Canada.